Stefan Ristovski has plenty of experience in Italian football and believes North Macedonia can ‘bring home’ their ticket for the 2022 World Cup by beating Italy.
The play-off kicks off at the Stadio Barbera in Palermo on Thursday at 19.45 GMT.
The winners will go on to face either Portugal or Turkey on Tuesday March 29 for a spot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“I am proud to play for this team and there is no greater motivation than representing your country in a match worth a place in the World Cup. We are ready to give our all,” said Ristovski in his press conference.
He spent several years at various levels of the Italian game, playing for Parma, Latina, Frosinone, Bari and Spezia, but is now at Dinamo Zagreb.
“The Italy squad is full of great talent, it’s no coincidence they are the Champions of Europe. We will try to make the most of their absences in defence, even if they have players who can fill in.
“We are concentrated and can bring home qualification.”